53 trees to be felled for VIP flats in Lutyens’ zone

About 53 fully grown trees will face the axe for construction of multi-storey flats for VIPs in the Lutyens’ zone in the Capital. The authorities said 10 times more trees will be planted as compensation.

Faced with housing shortage for VIPs, the government has finalised a blueprint to construct 52 multi-storey flats by demolishing five bungalows in Bishambar Das Marg here.

While four bungalows have already been vacated and demolished, the fifth bungalow is awaiting demolition as the occupant, union minister SS Palanimanickam, is yet to shift to his new house at Lodi Estate.

"Renovation work is going on at 47 Lodi Estate and once the renovation is complete, the minister would be shifting there," said a senior urban development official.

Besides the demolition of five bungalows, 53 trees of different varieties including jamun, ashoka and ficus would also be cut for the multi-storey flats meant for ministers and MPs.

"We would plant 530 trees, which is 10 times the number of trees to be cut, as a compensatory measure," said the official.

According to the estimation, the VIP flats with modern facilities including garage would cost the exchequer Rs 62 crore, with each flat costing more than Rs 1 crore.

The four-bedroom flats are being designed keeping the aspirations of MPs and Ministers in mind, the official said, adding, "at the same time creating more housing units within the limited space".